Pakistan’s Costly Lobby Push Reveals How President Trump Shifted Strongly Toward Islamabad Over India

A New York Times investigation shows how Pakistan spent huge money on lobby firms to influence President Trump. The report claims these deals shaped Trump’s softer approach toward Pakistan over India.

Pakistan increased its lobbying budget heavily in Washington which helped it gain President Trump’s attention and reports say the country targeted Trump’s inner circle to secure faster access and favourable positions in policy discussions which later changed America’s tone toward Islamabad and softened the approach on several issues connected to South Asia while also making Pakistan appear more valuable to US strategic interests.

Who Opened Doors for Pakistan?

According to the report Pakistan signed contracts with six powerful lobby firms in Washington and several were linked to Trump’s advisors which helped Pakistan reach important decision-makers and secure meetings at the White House faster than expected and these partnerships shaped the environment where Islamabad’s voice grew stronger and its requests received more political space during the early phase of Trump’s second term in office.

How Did Munir Influence Trump?

Army Chief Asim Munir played a key role and he travelled to Washington where meetings with senior officials helped build rapport and reports say Pakistan spent millions to strengthen this connection and this effort resulted in Munir getting an unusual private lunch with President Trump at the White House which was seen as a rare and strategic moment boosting Pakistan’s diplomatic reach quickly across US institutions and political circles.

What Did Pakistan Offer America?

Pakistan reportedly offered rare earth minerals and access to Baluchistan resources which hold economic and strategic value for the United States and these offers attracted major interest from Trump’s business-friendly circle and Pakistan also opened market space for American goods to create economic comfort which pushed Washington to consider Pakistan as a more helpful partner and this improved Islamabad’s position in negotiations significantly.

How Much Money Was Actually Spent?

The report states Pakistan spent nearly three times more than India on lobbying during a short period and contracts worth around five million dollars were signed with firms close to Trump which included Seiden Law LLP and Javelin Advisors and this heavy spending gave Pakistan a seat closer to the centre of Trump’s geopolitical thinking and ensured its narratives were heard ahead of major announcements affecting the region.

Why Did India Feel Uncomfortable?

India noticed the sudden shift when President Trump began praising Pakistan publicly and even mentioned ceasefire claims that India firmly rejected and New Delhi responded by increasing its own lobbying investment in Washington to balance influence and India worried Pakistan might use this new closeness to manipulate narratives on security matters which created tension between both sides over how Washington views regional situations and emerging conflicts.

What Benefits Did Pakistan Receive?

The report says the United States softened tariffs for Pakistan and opened several trade discussions quickly while also considering friendlier security engagements which helped Islamabad gain economic breathing space and Pakistan celebrated this shift calling Trump a stabilising force for the region though India disagreed strongly and Washington’s tone became more favourable toward Pakistan in multiple recent statements shaping wider geopolitical expectations for both countries.